Annapurna and Everest Trekking – Flora, Fauna and the Ice Giants

Detailed itinerary

• Day 1: Arrival in Kathmandu (1,400 m) – introduction to the trip and welcome dinner

  Arrival in Kathmandu (1,400 m). You are expected outside the airport and driven to your hotel in Kathmandu. In the afternoon we will discuss the course of the trip with you, and in the evening you are invited to a shared dinner with your guide. Overnight at the Kathmandu Guest House or an accommodation of similar category (D).

  

• Day 2: Kathmandu sightseeing and preparation for the trek

  Today we explore Kathmandu with a local guide. This day can be arranged flexibly according to your wishes. Among the most popular places and most impressive sights are Pashupatinath — a Hindu temple with cremation grounds, Swayambhunath — also known as the Monkey Temple — Boudhanath Stupa, Durbar Square and Thamel — the tourist centre of Kathmandu.
  In the late afternoon you return to the hotel to pack for the trekking tour the next morning. The rest of the afternoon is then at your leisure. You can also leave a bag at the hotel with items that you will not need on the tour. Overnight at the hotel (B).

  

• Day 3: Flight to Pokhara (30 min), drive to Kimche and trek to Ghandruk (1,940 m) – 3–4 hrs of driving and 1.5 hrs of hiking, ~3 km, +300 m / –50 m

  Early in the morning we take the flight to Pokhara. After arrival we drive to Kimche and hike for about 1 hour until we reach Ghandruk. Ghandruk is a mountain village inhabited mainly by the Gurung ethnic community. From here there are breathtaking views of the Annapurna south face (7,219 m), Machapuchare (6,997 m) and Hiunchuli (6,441 m). Overnight at a tea house lodge (B|L|D).

  

• Day 4: Trek to Tadapani (2,630 m) – 5 hrs of hiking, ~8 km, +700 m / –100 m

  On this beautiful day of hiking we walk gradually upwards through dense, moss-covered pine and rhododendron forests to Tadapani. Overnight at a tea house lodge (B|L|D).

  

• Day 5: Trek to Dobato (3,426 m) – 4–5 hrs of hiking, ~9 km, +900 m / –100 m

  The trekking route leads us deep into a rhododendron forest. With a little luck we may encounter wildlife. The path leads over numerous ascents and descents until we arrive in Dobato. From here we enjoy a breathtaking view of the mountains. Overnight at a tea house lodge (B|L|D).

  

• Day 6: Sunrise at the Muldai viewpoint (3,637 m) and trek to Banthanti (2,200 m) – 6–7 hrs of hiking, ~12 km, +400 m / –1,600 m

  It is well worth getting up early and undertaking the approximately 45-minute ascent to the viewpoint before sunrise. This summit is known to only a few trekkers. From the viewpoint we can admire more than 25 peaks, including Dhaulagiri (8,167 m), Annapurna I (8,091 m), Machapuchare (6,997 m) and many other mountain giants. In clear weather, the view even reaches into the Pokhara Valley and onto Phewa Lake. After breakfast we hike on to Ghorepani (2,874 m) and, after a lunch break, continue downhill to Banthanti (2,200 m). Overnight at a tea house lodge (B|L|D).

• Day 7: Trek Banthanti to Birethanti (1,025 m) – 3–4 hrs of hiking, ~7 km, –1,200 m; afterwards 2 hrs of driving to Pokhara (820 m)

  After breakfast we hike downhill to Tikhedhunga. From there we follow the Burungdi Khola via Hille down to Birethanti. The closer we get to Birethanti, the more picturesque the landscape becomes. Here we board the vehicle and drive to Pokhara (820 m). The rest of the day is at your leisure. Overnight at the Mount Kailash Resort or similar (B|L).

  

• Day 8: Flight to Kathmandu and drive to Bhaktapur – rest of the day at leisure

  You will be picked up at the airport and brought to Bhaktapur to the Hotel Heritage House. The rest of the day is at your leisure. Overnight at the Hotel Heritage in Bhaktapur or an accommodation of similar category (B).

  

• Day 9: Bhaktapur sightseeing and drive to Ramechap

  Bhaktapur is an old royal city, inhabited by the Newari ethnic group, in the eastern part of the Kathmandu Valley. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, known for its rich culture, temples and works of art in wood, metal and stone. Among the most important sights are the Layaku (Durbar Square), the Bhaktapur Durbar Square, the Nyatapola Temple, the Bhairabnath Temple and the Dattatraya Temple. In the afternoon we drive to Ramechap to prepare for the flight to Lukla. Overnight at a simple guest house (B).

• Day 10: Flight to Lukla (2,840 m) – trek to Phakding (2,610 m) – 4–5 hrs of hiking, ~8 km, –250 m

  We will be brought to the airport and take the spectacular flight to Lukla, with its famous airstrip. After arrival we meet our porters and begin the hike to Phakding (2,610 m). Overnight at a tea house lodge (B|L|D).

  

• Day 11: Trek to Namche Bazaar (3,445 m) – 5–6 hrs of hiking, ~10 km, +950 m / –100 m

  Today we hike to the main town of the Khumbu region, Namche Bazaar. Along the way, in clear weather, we get a first glimpse of Everest (8,848 m) and Lhotse (8,516 m). Namche is the largest town in the Khumbu and offers magnificent views of Thamserku (6,648 m), Kwangde (6,220 m) and Khumbila (5,700 m). Overnight at a tea house lodge (B|L|D).

  

• Day 12: Day hike to the Everest viewpoint – sightseeing in Namche Bazaar – 3–4 hrs of hiking, ~5 km, +400 m / –400 m

  We start the day with an ascent to the ridge above Namche Bazaar. From the viewpoint we have a fantastic view of Everest (8,848 m) and the surrounding peaks. Afterwards we return to Namche for lunch near the Sherpa cultural centre and visit the Everest mountaineers’ museum. In the afternoon there is time to explore Namche. Overnight at a tea house lodge (B|L|D).

  

• Day 13: Trek to Deboche (3,770 m) with visit to the monastery in Tengboche (3,867 m) – 5–6 hrs of hiking, ~9 km, +700 m / –400 m

  From Namche the trail winds high above the Dudh Kosi through rhododendron forest, with magnificent views of the valley, Everest (8,848 m) and Ama Dablam (6,812 m). After crossing the river at Phunki Tenga we climb through forest up to Tengboche (3,867 m). Tengboche Monastery is the most important of the Sherpa region and home to about 80 monks. From here we enjoy a beautiful view before descending on to Deboche (3,770 m). Overnight at a tea house lodge (B|L|D).

  

• Day 14: Trek to Monjo (2,835 m) – 6–7 hrs of hiking, ~13 km, +400 m / –1,350 m

  After leaving Deboche we descend steeply through birch and rhododendron forests to the Dudh Kosi. Afterwards we hike further down to Tashinga and return to the main route as far as Monjo. Overnight at a tea house lodge (B|L|D).

  

• Day 15: Return to Lukla (2,840 m) – 5 hrs of hiking, ~12 km, +700 m / –700 m

  From Monjo we continue downhill through the Dudh Kosi valley and the villages of Phakding, Ghat and Cheplung. At Chaurikharka begins the ascent up the last hill to Lukla (2,840 m). In the evening we celebrate the conclusion of the trekking tour with our guides and porters. Overnight at a tea house lodge (B|L|D).

• Day 16: Flight back to Ramechap & transfer to the hotel in Kathmandu – 4 hours of driving

  You will be picked up at the airport and driven to Kathmandu. The rest of the day is at your leisure. Overnight at the Hotel Kathmandu Guest House or an accommodation of similar category (B).

• Day 17: Free day in Kathmandu

  Today is at your leisure, which you can spend relaxing, with further sightseeing or shopping in Thamel. A good last chance to pick up a few souvenirs at short notice. Overnight at the hotel in Kathmandu (B).

• Day 18: Flight back home

  Free time until departure. Farewell and transfer to Kathmandu airport. End of the trip (B).

  We reserve the right to make changes to the programme due to special events, force majeure or weather conditions.

  B = Breakfast | L = Lunch | D = Dinner